I know that PJ mentioned that in his part of the statement, but I'm afraid it doesn't quite make sense to me. If I understand correctly, when GdT first signed up for the project in April of 2008, the time line was to have the shooting start this spring, the first film be released in December 2011, and the second film released in December 2012 (with, perhaps an extended edition bringing the time line out even further). So that was a commitment of at least almost five years. Now that has been extended by one year, since the current plan is to start filming in November, release the first film in December 2012, and the second one in December 2013. So the appearance seems to me that the commitment has gone from four-five years to five-six years, not three to six. Still a significant increase, but much, much smaller than is being described. That is one of the main reasons that I can't help but be suspicious of this whole situation. As much as I respect PJ and GdT, what they are saying doesn't seem to add up to me.

Also, while you and others have said that his contract was for three years, I seriously doubt that there is such a specification in the contract. Of course, I haven't seen the contract, and it may well have some kind of a provision that gives GdT an "out" if the project is delayed beyond a specific point, but I doubt that it is a "three year contract" (nor does that makes sense given that the original time line was for much more than three years).

I do want to emphasize that I don't mean to jump on you, Elizabeth. This post is not meant specifically in response to you, but is simply an expression of the thoughts that I have been having as I ponder what has been going on and the discussions about it here and elsewhere. I am not meaning to spread any kind of rumors (unsubstantiated or otherwise), or to call anyone a liar. I do hope that we get some more specific explanations that help clear up these questions soon, although I don't really expect that we will ever know the full truth. 'But very bright were the stars upon the margin of the world, when at times the clouds about the West were drawn aside.'